Best Upcoming Theater Productions In Baltimore
This is the time of year when theater thrives and people look for things to do to occupy their leisure time. The impact of theater is beneficial to both the patron and the artist. Baltimore stands to benefit in a major way with several great upcoming productions. No matter the genre, there is something to suit everyone's taste, from the young to the old.
'Cinderella'
Patricia and Arthur Modell Performing Arts Center at the Lyric
110 W. Mt Royal Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 685-5086
www.lyricoperahouse.com
Dates: March 28, 2015
Ballet and theater come together to recreate this unforgettable and family-friendly classic. Performed by the Ballet Theatre of Maryland, the audience is sure to love this production and its stage presence as they are drawn into this familiar story of good vs. evil. Which force will win?
'One Night in Miami'
Center Stage
700 North Calvert Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
410-332-0033
www.centerstage.org
Dates: Jan. 14 - Feb. 8, 2015
Center Stage is known for its exciting shows with edgy themes that cause audiences to stop, think and spark conversation. Located in downtown Baltimore, the theater is now in its 52nd year and works to challenge the traditional concept of theatrical performances. With Kwame Kwei-Armah as artistic director, classical and contemporary productions are entertaining, thought-provoking and educational. This show portrays what might have happened after Cassius Clay defended his title in 1964. He celebrates with friends Sam Cooke, Malcolm X and Jim Brown.
'Reparations'
Morgan State University-Murphy Fine Arts Center
Turpin-Lamb Theater
2201 Argonne Drive
Baltimore, MD 21251
(443) 885-4440
www.murphyfineartscenter.org
Date: April 10-19, 2015
Directed by Shirley Basfield-Dunlap, "Reparations" will have the audience talking about this forbidden topic. Dunlap makes a bold statement as she entertains and engages the audience in order to inform them. The mission, according to Basfield-Dunlap, is to promote reconciliation and healing for a group of people who have endured societal ills for generations and generations. The ultimate goal is to take the play, "Reparations," on a city-to-city tour to spark conversation.
'Annie'
The Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center
12 N. Eutaw Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 837-7400
www.france-merrickpac.com
Dates: Jan. 20, 2015 - Feb. 1, 2015
"It's a hard knock life" is just one of the familiar songs the audience will hear in this classic as they visit with orphan Annie. Annie lives in an orphanage run by the tyrannical Ms. Hannigan. Through all of her trials, she maintains a glimmer of hope for the best. Her life takes a dramatic, but wonderful change when she goes to live with the rich Daddy Warbucks. This venue is housed in what was formerly a movie theater which underwent restoration and renovations and is now one of the premier theatres in the Baltimore area. According to the website, "programming at this world-class venue includes touring Broadway shows, dance, music, comedy and all the best artists throughout the performing arts." The Hippodrome also offers educational programming to perpetuate and instill a love for the arts.
'Ghosts'
Everyman Theatre
315 West Fayette Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 752-2208
www.everymantheatre.org
Dates: April 1, 2015 - May 3, 2015
In this production, the character Mrs. Alving has been keeping familial secrets, but what happens when her sick son returns home seeking the truth? The play is directed by Donald Hicken and will be performed this spring. Matinee performances are also available. The mission of Everyman is to engage, inspire and transform the audience. Performances are affordable and feature the best of the Baltimore acting community. The repertoire of shows usually appeals to a diverse audience and allows the audience to make connections with the actors on stage. The plots are of a caliber that touch the heart of every man.
Related: Best Upcoming Classical Music Performances In Baltimore
Vickie Lawson is a freelance writer whose work can be found on Examiner.com.